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AMULETS: PRIMITIVE, MODERN 371
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be recognized and placed on a scientific basis before many years are passed." 41
The
belief in the hidden powers of precious stones was used as the theme of
one of Hoffman's novels, ' ' Das Fräulein von Scudéry." Here the hero,
Bene Cardillac, is represented as a man for whom the possession of
precious stones has become indispensable, and who is happy only when he
can handle them and watch the play of light and color emanating from
them. They exert a kind of hypnotic influence over him, and so intense
and absorbing is his devotion to them that he even resorts to murder
rather than part with one of his darling stones.
In
the course of a meeting of the English Folk-Lore Society, one of the
members expressed the opinion that the revival of interest in amulets
and talismans and in all sorts and kinds of "mascots" was largely due
to the articles printed about such things in certain of the daily and
weekly papers. These items, put in a taking way and read with avidity,
more -especially by those who were already predisposed to a belief in
the mythical or magical, served to spread these fancies far and wide
throughout the land. The president of the society, Dr. Gaster, in
closing the discussion, said that "from his experience the modern
belief in amulets as aids to luck was genuine and widely spread. " 42
One
of the latest Parisian oracles on mystic subjects, the Baroness
d'Orchamps, says that emeralds should not be worn by women before their
fiftieth year, although men may wear this gem without danger at any
age. Sapphires, on the other hand, may be worn by both sexes at all
times, since they have a potent influence for good luck. Hence
*
See A. E. Wright and E. Lovett, " Specimens of Modern Mascots and
Ancient Amulets of the British Isles," Folk Lore, vol. xix, 1904, pp.
288-303; citing Bratly, " The Power of Gems and Charms," London, 1907.
**
A E. Wright and E. Lovett, " Specimens of Modern Mascots and Ancient
Amulets of the British Isles," Folk Lore, vol. xix, p. 303.
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